Did NHAI and Transport Ministry Admit to Design Flaws in Kerala's NH 66?
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Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, K.C. Venugopal announced that both NHAI and the Union Ministry have acknowledged critical design flaws in Kerala's NH 66. The PAC is now demanding extensive audits and corrective measures to address these serious lapses. What will be the impact on ongoing construction and public safety?
Key Takeaways
- NHAI and the Transport Ministry acknowledged design flaws in NH 66.
- A performance audit has been requested by the PAC.
- Local warnings about design issues were ignored.
- A technical committee has been formed to investigate the failures.
- Accountability from state officials is crucial for public trust.
New Delhi/Malappuram, May 29 (NationPress) The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and senior Congress figure, K.C. Venugopal, publicly stated on Thursday that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways have recognized significant errors, including design failures, in the ongoing construction of National Highway 66 in Kerala.
During a media briefing in New Delhi following a PAC meeting, Venugopal shared that both the NHAI and the Transport Secretary accepted the existence of technical issues during the assessment, particularly design flaws that have resulted in the deterioration of road sections across various districts.
“At the meeting, it was acknowledged by NHAI and the Transport Secretary that technical failures, notably in design, have contributed to the deterioration of NH 66. Alarmingly, it was disclosed that the contractor was responsible for the final design,” Venugopal pointed out.
The PAC expressed serious concerns regarding procedural shortcomings. Venugopal highlighted that it was uncovered during discussions that no high-level technical committee was established to ensure quality control.
“In the instance of the collapsed segment at Kuriyad in Malappuram, local residents had long cautioned that the highway ought to have been elevated as it traverses a paddy field. These warnings were disregarded,” he stated.
The PAC has now urged the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to carry out a performance audit, which includes a thorough examination of the design.
Venugopal mentioned that the PAC has instructed the NHAI chairman to conduct a three-day inspection in Kerala starting Saturday, covering not only Kuriyad but additional locations as well.
A three-member technical committee of senior experts has also been established, tasked with submitting a detailed report to the PAC within three weeks.
“We have requested a comprehensive report outlining what went wrong and the corrective actions to be implemented,” Venugopal added.
He also criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his son-in-law, PWD Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, for their silence following the initial praise they received for the project.
“Until the NH 66 collapses surfaced, both the Chief Minister and the PWD Minister were boasting about the project. Now, they have fallen silent,” he remarked.
On Wednesday, Venugopal visited NH 66 sites in Kerala and raised significant concerns regarding construction standards and the lack of oversight.
Point of View
This situation raises serious questions about the oversight and quality control in major infrastructure projects. While it's vital for authorities to address these issues transparently, it’s equally important for them to implement robust measures to prevent similar failures in the future. The public deserves accountability and transparency in the management of national highways.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the design flaws admitted by NHAI?
NHAI acknowledged that there were significant design failures that contributed to the deterioration of NH 66, including issues that were overseen by the contractor responsible for the final design.
Who is conducting the audit on NH 66?
The PAC has requested the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to conduct a performance audit to review the design and construction processes of NH 66.
What actions are being taken following the admission of flaws?
The PAC has instructed the NHAI chairman to visit Kerala for an inspection and has formed a technical committee to report on what went wrong and recommend corrective measures.
How are local residents involved in this issue?
Local residents had previously warned about potential issues with the highway's design, specifically concerning its elevation over paddy fields, but their concerns were not addressed.
What has been the response from state officials?
K.C. Venugopal criticized Kerala's Chief Minister and the PWD Minister for their silence after initially taking credit for the project despite the subsequent issues.
